The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) had reached over 35 crore people across India by 22 October 2026. Its recorded outreach included more than 13.94 crore young people and 10.86 crore women, while over 32 lakh educational institutions had been engaged in activities to prevent substance abuse.
Campaign and Administration
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the NMBA on 15 August 2020 under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). The campaign initially covered 272 districts identified as vulnerable to substance abuse. Its coverage expanded across India from August 2023. The NMBA is a national awareness and community-mobilisation campaign focused on preventing substance abuse. Its outreach involves young people, women, educational institutions and communities. Awareness activities include public messaging and engagement with groups at the community level.
Drug Demand Reduction Framework
The NAPDDR is a central government framework for reducing demand for drugs. Its activities include preventive education, awareness generation, capacity-building, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of people affected by substance use. The framework also supports services provided through institutions and organisations working in drug-demand reduction. The campaign’s reach is measured through people contacted and institutions engaged. The figures recorded by 22 October 2026 comprised over 35 crore people, including more than 13.94 crore young people and 10.86 crore women, and over 32 lakh educational institutions.
National Target on Drug Trade
On 22 October 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s target of eliminating the drug trade from India by 31 December 2029. The target concerns the drug trade, while the NMBA and NAPDDR focus on preventing substance abuse and reducing drug demand.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched on 15 August 2020.
- The campaign initially covered 272 vulnerable districts before expanding nationwide from August 2023.
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is responsible for the NMBA.
- The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction includes prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration activities.
By 22 October 2026, the NMBA had engaged over 32 lakh educational institutions. The nationwide campaign operates under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction.
